T he Aviators takes place during the Vietnam War — specifically, in 1963-1964. The great protests against the war have not become an issue to the characters (although they will in a later novel in the series). The characters in The Aviators, though, are untroubled by issues of right or wrong with respect to the war — rather, they act in terms of duty; there is little or no moralizing about America's place in Vietnam. Of more immediate concern for protagonist John Oliver are his relationship with his family on the one hand and with the woman he loves on the other. In addition, the social structure of the Army is held up for view; we are shown the workings of a major base, as well as the protocol and social matrix existing between junior and senior officers, reserve and regular officers, and officers and civilians. In most...